Cheryl Olfert

University of Manitoba, Canada

Abstract Title:

Working together, bridging the gap for oral systemic health care

Research Interests:

Title: Working together, bridging the gap for oral systemic health care Background: Oral systemic health has gained increasing attention over the past several years as a gap between primary care providers and the oral health team in many settings. To bridge this gap, the College of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner Program collaborated with the College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene to establish a pilot project to place Nurse Practitioner students in the learning environment with Dental and Dental Hygiene students. Purpose: The project integrates oral systemic health within primary care services, including oral health care settings, emphasizing undiagnosed conditions, gaps in care, and improved health outcomes. This study in progress, is an evaluative study using surveys to explore patient and student perceptions of an Inter-Professional Educational initiative promoting oral systemic health. The goal was to promote oral systemic health for clients through change behavior. Approach: The students participate in online, face-to-face and simulation learning experiences before engaging together as small interdisciplinary teams to assess clients and create inter-professional plans of care. All components of this project are embedded in the curriculum of each discipline and surveys are completed by the student participants at each stage. The inclusion criteria for clients is older than 18 years and self-identified as not having a primary care provider. The patients complete surveys after treatment to provide an opportunity for feedback and to assess if the goals are met. A follow-up survey is conducted to assess for behavior change and the perception of impact of the encounter on the client’s health. Results: The initial findings indicate a learning gap of student participants related oral systemic health and the role of the other professions in optimizing client health outcomes was addressed through this experience. Clients experience increased accessibility and engagement with dentistry and primary health care. Acknowledgements: special acknowledgement and gratitude to Dr. Anthony Iacopino D.M.D, PhD. for his contribution of establishing of the project. 1. Demonstrate collaborative team functioning to plan, implement and evaluate the impact of Inter-Professional health interventions on client oral systemic health outcomes 2. Identify an inter-professional patient-centred plan of care developed by NPs and the Oral Health Team 3. Identify the impact of NP’s role with the Oral Health Team to improve client outcomes